23 hrs ago
Newlywed Bride Severely Burned in Sittong Homestay Bonfire
Nikita Saha and her husband were staying at a homestay during their honeymoon.
They sat near a bonfire on September 13.
Her husband says a worker poured an unidentified liquid into the fire.
He says the fire suddenly grew and caught Nikita.
Souvik also hurt his hand while trying to help her.
He says the homestay did not provide quick assistance or a fire extinguisher.
The couple travelled to hospitals in Siliguri for treatment.
Nikita is in critical condition and was moved to another hospital.
Souvik has asked police to investigate what happened and take action if anyone was responsible.
Nikita Saha, 23, suffered severe burns during a bonfire at Sittong Aura Homestay on September 13, 2026.
Her husband, Souvik Das, alleged that a homestay employee poured an unidentified liquid into the fire, causing flames to engulf her.
Das said he burned his hand while trying to help and alleged that homestay staff did not provide prompt assistance or a fire extinguisher.
The couple travelled to Siliguri for treatment, with Saha later shifted from Anandoloke Hospital to Desun Hospital in critical condition.
Das filed a complaint at Kurseong Police Station on September 16, and police said they were investigating the incident and had spoken to the homestay authorities.
- Who
- Newlyweds Nikita Saha and Souvik Das; Saha was injured, and Das filed the complaint against the homestay authorities and an allegedly involved employee.
- What
- Nikita Saha suffered severe burns when a bonfire reportedly flared toward and engulfed her.
- Where
- Sittong Aura Homestay in Sittong, Darjeeling district; Saha received treatment in Siliguri.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 13, 2026, at approximately 8:22 PM; Das filed his complaint on September 16.
- Why
- Das alleged that an unidentified liquid was poured into the bonfire and that the homestay lacked adequate emergency assistance; the cause and responsibility remain under investigation.
Husband’s allegations
Police investigation
Cause of the fire
Husband’s allegations
Souvik Das alleged that a homestay employee poured an unidentified liquid into the bonfire, causing a sudden flare-up that engulfed Nikita.
Police investigation
Police have not established the cause and are investigating the incident, including material such as CCTV footage reportedly gathered by the family.
Emergency response
Husband’s allegations
Das alleged that no fire extinguisher or immediate assistance was available and that the couple waited nearly an hour before leaving for treatment.
Police investigation
The reported allegations have not been independently established, and the articles do not provide a response from the homestay authorities on these claims.
Responsibility and punishment
Husband’s allegations
Das sought an FIR and legal action against the homestay authorities and the person allegedly involved, and called for the highest punishment.
Police investigation
The complaint reportedly leaves open whether responsibility rests with an individual employee or homestay management; no criminal responsibility has been established.
Key facts
- Injured person
- Nikita Saha, 23
- Incident location
- Sittong Aura Homestay, Sittong, Darjeeling district
- Incident date
- September 13, 2026
- Reported time
- Approximately 8:22 PM
- Initial treatment
- Anandoloke Hospital on Sevoke Road, Siliguri
- Further treatment
- Desun Hospital
- Police complaint
- Submitted by Souvik Das at Kurseong Police Station on September 16
Quotes
Senior hotelier based in Siliguri
A hotel industry representative commenting on homestay safety
“None from the homestay came to save her. She was writhing with her burn injuries and I asked for a car. The car came much later. The homestay authorities and the staff are responsible for the incident and should be punished.”
telegraphindia.com
“Hundreds of homestays have come up across north Bengal, especially in the hills. Those running these facilities should ensure that their employees are provided with basic training to avoid such incidents.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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